Bill on governor’s desk could change child custody disputes are resolved in North Dakota

North Dakota State Capitol Building

Child custody laws may be changing. The North Dakota Legislature has passed Senate Bill 2186, which addresses child custody disputes between separated and divorced parents. The bill, approved by the Senate on April 17th in a 27-20 vote, allows courts to grant additional parenting time to a parent who lost time due to another parent’s “intentional” interference with court-ordered arrangements. Non-compliant parents could be found in contempt of court. While the legislation originally sought to criminalize custody violations, this provision was removed after law enforcement raised concerns. Instead, the House added a requirement to establish a 12-member “child custody review task force” that would meet quarterly during 2025-27 to study alternative penalties. Senator Larry Luick called the current situation “absolutely asinine,” while Senator Janne Myrdal opposed the bill, arguing the Legislature was “meddling” in a matter best left to courts. The bill now heads to the governor for final approval.